Grumman FF-1

The Grumman FF-1, nicknamed 'Fifi,' was a two-seat carrier-based fighter for the U.S. Navy and the first American carrier fighter with retractable landing gear, its main wheels folding into the fuselage sides. First flown on 29 December 1931, it was Grumman's first aircraft as a manufacturer and entered fleet service in 1933. Powered by a Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial of about 700-750 hp, the stubby biplane reached roughly 207 mph, making it faster than the single-seat fighters it served alongside.

Its enclosed cockpit and retractable gear marked a clear step toward modern fighter design. A scout variant, the SF-1, was also produced. The existing label misspells the builder as 'Gruman'; the correct name is Grumman and the designation is FF-1. Armament comprised two rifle-caliber machine guns, with the rear cockpit gun operated by the second crewman.